Revenge porn describes the distribution of sexual images to cause distress, embarrassment, or humiliation. In some cases, partners or ex-partners may use the threat of distribution as a means of control.
It is an offence to disclose private sexual images without consent of the person who appears in them for the purposes of causing distress under the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 with a maximum prison sentence of 2 years.
Although the distribution may also be motivated by financial gain or notoriety the offence relates to the intention to cause distress.
Possessing or sharing photographs or film of anyone under the age of 18 is also an offence under section 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978 (taking, distributing, possessing or publishing indecent photographs of a child) or under section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (possession of an indecent photograph of a child).
Images or films may have been obtained with your consent or they may have been taken or obtained without your knowledge. In some cases, devices or people’s social media accounts are hacked to obtain the images, or they could be taken covertly.
The distribution of intimate or sexual images or film can have a devastating impact on anyone affected and the threat of distribution can also cause intense fear and psychological harm.
If you are concerned that you could be affected, contact IDAS for advice and support.
Learn more
Listen to this BBC radio interview about the rise of Revenge Porn during the Covid-19 lockdown. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-54149682
Watch this interview with Chrissy Chambers, survivor of Revenge Porn.
